What a beer subscription delivers each month
A beer subscription is a recurring delivery service that sends you a curated selection of beers to your home on a schedule you choose. The service charges you monthly, quarterly, or annually depending on the plan. You receive a box containing anywhere from 4 to 24 beers, usually a mix of styles and breweries selected by the subscription company or based on your stated preferences.
The beers arrive at your door ready to drink. You don't need to visit a store, and most subscriptions include beers you may not find locally. Shipping is included in the price, though some services charge a separate shipping fee depending on your state and the weight of the shipment.
How often you receive a box depends on your plan. Monthly is the most common option, but many services also offer every other month or quarterly deliveries. You can pause or skip a month without penalty on most subscriptions, and you can cancel anytime.
Key Takeaways
- Beer subscriptions deliver a curated box of beers to your home on a monthly, quarterly, or annual schedule, with prices typically ranging from $40 to $120 per box depending on the service and beer selection.
- You must be at least 21 years old and have a valid ID to receive delivery, and someone of legal drinking age must sign for the package.
- Shipping laws vary by state — some states allow beer delivery to your home, while others restrict it or prohibit it entirely, so you need to check your state's rules before signing up.
- Most subscriptions let you pause, skip, or cancel anytime without fees, and many allow you to customize your box by beer style, brewery type, or alcohol content before each shipment.
- The cost per beer is usually lower than buying individual bottles at a store, but you pay upfront for the entire box rather than selecting only what you want.
Price and what's included in each box
Monthly boxes typically cost between $40 and $120, depending on the service and the number and quality of beers included. A standard box might contain 12 beers (one case equivalent) or 24 beers (two cases). Premium subscriptions that focus on rare or craft beers cost more than services that send mainstream selections.
Shipping is almost always included in the advertised price. Some services charge extra if you live in a remote area or if your state imposes additional shipping fees. A few subscriptions offer a discount if you pay for three or six months upfront instead of month-to-month.
The per-beer cost usually works out to $3 to $6 per beer, which is often cheaper than buying the same beers individually at a liquor store. However, you commit to buying the entire box — you cannot pick and choose individual beers the way you can in a store.
State laws and shipping restrictions
Beer delivery to your home is legal in some states and prohibited or heavily restricted in others. The rules depend on your state's alcohol laws, which vary widely. Before you sign up for any subscription, you need to check whether your state allows beer to be shipped to residential addresses.
States that allow beer delivery typically require the recipient to be at least 21 years old and to show a valid ID when the package arrives. The delivery driver will ask for ID before leaving the box. If no one 21 or older is home to sign, the delivery will be rescheduled or returned.
Some states prohibit all direct-to-home beer delivery. Others allow it only from in-state breweries or only for certain types of beer. A few states allow delivery but impose strict licensing requirements on the subscription service. The subscription company's website will tell you whether they ship to your state — if your state isn't listed, delivery is not available there.
How to choose a subscription service
The main differences between services are the types of beers they send, the price point, and how much control you have over your box. Some subscriptions specialize in craft beers from independent breweries. Others focus on mainstream brands or a mix of both. A few let you rate beers after each shipment so the next box is tailored to your preferences.
Read the descriptions of what each service includes before signing up. Some send the same beers to all subscribers each month. Others let you choose your beer styles — IPA, lager, stout, sour, and so on — before each shipment. A few allow you to swap out individual beers if you don't want what's in the standard box.
Check whether the service offers a first-box discount or a trial period. Many subscriptions reduce the price of your first box to $20 or $30 to let you try the service. Some offer a money-back may provide if you're not satisfied with your first shipment.
Pausing, skipping, and canceling
Most beer subscriptions let you pause your account for a month or two without losing your subscription or paying a fee. You can usually pause through your online account dashboard. The pause typically lasts one billing cycle, and your subscription resumes automatically the following month unless you pause again.
Skipping is different from pausing — you skip a single month and your subscription resumes the next month. Pausing is useful if you have a lot of beer at home or are traveling. Skipping is useful if you want to receive a box every other month instead of every month.
Canceling ends your subscription entirely. You can cancel anytime, usually through your account settings or by contacting customer service. Most services do not charge a cancellation fee. Your final box will arrive on your regular delivery date, and no further charges will be made after that.
What happens when your box arrives
The delivery company will contact you with a delivery window, usually a day or a range of hours. Someone 21 or older must be home to sign for the package. The driver will check ID before leaving the box. If no one is home, the driver will leave a notice and attempt delivery again, or the package may be returned to the sender.
Once you receive the box, open it and inspect the contents. Most subscriptions include a card describing each beer — the brewery, style, alcohol content, and tasting notes. Some services include a QR code that links to more information about each beer online.
Store the beers according to the type. Most beers should be kept cool but not necessarily refrigerated until you're ready to drink them. IPAs and lighter beers are best consumed within a few weeks. Darker beers and high-alcohol beers can age for months or longer.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I change my beer preferences after I sign up?
Most subscriptions let you update your preferences before each shipment. You log into your account and select your preferred beer styles, breweries, or alcohol content. Some services send the same box to all subscribers and don't offer customization. Check the service's website to see whether preference changes are available.
What if I'm not home when the beer arrives?
The driver will leave a notice and attempt delivery again, usually the next business day. If you know you won't be home, contact the subscription service or the delivery company to reschedule. Some services allow you to authorize a neighbor or family member to sign for the package if they're 21 or older.
Do I have to use a credit card to pay?
Most subscriptions accept credit cards and debit cards. Some also accept PayPal or other digital payment methods. Check the service's payment options before signing up. Your payment method will be charged on your billing date each month or on whatever schedule you choose.
Can I gift a beer subscription to someone else?
Yes. Many subscription services sell gift subscriptions that you can purchase for another person. You typically choose the length — one month, three months, six months, or a year — and the recipient receives a code to activate the subscription. The recipient must provide their own delivery address and payment method when the gift period ends if they want to continue.
What if a beer arrives damaged or broken?
Contact the subscription service immediately with a photo of the damaged beer or box. Most services will replace the damaged beer or issue a credit toward your next box. Keep the damaged beer and packaging until the service tells you what to do with it.